The impeachment inquiry hearings continued Thursday as Fiona Hill, a former top Europe and Russian expert from the National Security Council, testified before House investigators, along with David Holmes, who works at the United States Embassy in Kyiv.
Summary: Here are some immediate highlights about what happened:
- Hill’s testimony brought widespread social media attention. She focused on how Gordon Sondland’s efforts to work with Ukraine were a “domestic political errand.”
- Holmes, meanwhile, said Ukraine diplomacy was taken over by President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani.
- Hill called out the “fictional” narrative about Ukraine interfering in the 2016 election.
- Holmes said Ukraine still needs the United States even after the military aid because the country needs to be careful to keep the U.S. as an ally.
- Hill said Giuliani’s views on Ukraine could hurt the U.S.
- Hill asked GOP lawmakers if she could respond to them after three lawmakers criticized the impeachment inquiry.
Opening statements: Here are some quick video highlights of the opening statements.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA):
Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA):
Fiona Hill:
David Holmes:
Questions: The two candidates faced questions for more than five hours before lawmakers. Here’s a rundown of important questions they faced.
President Donald Trump weighed in on the hearings, too.
What’s next?: Here’s a quick look at what to expect next.
In reaction to the hearings, Texas Rep. Will Hurd, a moderate, said that the president acted inappropriately on the call, but he doesn’t consider it impeachable.
The White House has backed a full Senate trial if the House of Representatives impeaches President Donald Trump, according to Politico.
- White House officials and Republican lawmakers said the Senate will not immediately dismiss any articles of impeachment if they are brought forward to the Senate.
CNN reporter Manu Raju reported that Pelosi did not immediately commend articles of impeachment.
- “The evidence is clear that the president has used his office for his own personal gain and in doing so undermined the national security of the United States.”
- “We haven’t made any decision yet.”